The Broad Avenue Filmmakers Award was established in 2009 to financially aid students in the production of their films created in FTT courses. It also provides assistance for two FTT students each summer to participate in the iNDustry Alliance Summer Plunge, a mentor shadowing program that links Notre Dame alumni in the industry with current undergraduate students. In addition, a BAFA award is given to two outstanding films (narrative and non-fiction) from graduating seniors each May.

The Broad Avenue Filmmakers Award was made possible through a generous gift to the University from 1986 alumnus and FTT graduate, Mary Parent.

Student films produced with grants provided by the Broad Avenue Filmmakers Award:

• Tree Sitters (2009) Mikalyn Steinbrueck, Zhibin Dai
  Two peaceful protesters set up house in a redwood forest in Northern California to protect the trees from clear cutting.

• Rich Weirdoes (2009) Ryan Gelderman, Kate Arnold
  A band of self proclaimed social outcasts in Orlando finds family in each other by keeping alive the 30-year old cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show.

• Show Choir (2009) Bob Greenfield, Patrick Berry
  The Show Choir Nationals in Nashville, TN is the ultimate destination for a group of Illinois high school performers led by a very ambitious director.

The iNDustry Alliance Summer Plunge Destinations:

• NFL Films (Mt. Laurel, New Jersey) Margaret Ruffing-producer. Rich Molina-ND junior (2009).
• Emerald Elephant Entertainment (Tucson, Arizona) Brian McLaughlin-producer. Viviana Kim-ND junior (2009).